Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, reviews Slovak service members alongside Slovak Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák (center) and Chief of Defense Gen. Daniel Zmeko while in Bratislava as part of a two-country visit to Slovakia and Slovenia March 26-28, 2024. In both nations, Cavoli met with civilian and military leaders to recognize the nations’ NATO anniversaries, and discuss shared security concerns and collective deterrence, and military mobility to enable rapid deployment and sustain operations. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy Bratislava)
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of the U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, embarked on a diplomatic mission to Slovakia and Slovenia from March 26 to 28, 2024, ahead of the two nations’ twentieth NATO anniversary celebrations. Slovakia and Slovenia officially became full-fledged members of NATO on March 29, 2004.
During his visit, Gen. Cavoli engaged with civilian and military leaders, highlighting the pivotal contributions of Slovakia and Slovenia to the NATO alliance. He commended both nations for their dedication to military modernization efforts and investments aimed at enhancing capabilities crucial for deterring aggression and safeguarding NATO territory.
Reflecting on Slovakia’s journey within NATO, Gen. Cavoli emphasized the significance of the alliance’s collective defense commitment. “Twenty years ago, Slovakia, a sovereign nation, made the decision to join a coalition of other sovereign nations, pledging not only to defend themselves but to defend each other,” he remarked. “These nations share common values, which unite us in our commitment to safeguarding peace and security.”
In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, Gen. Cavoli held meetings with Prime Minister Robert Fico, Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák, and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár, underscoring the enduring partnership between the United States and Slovakia. He also visited the Military Training Area Lešť, home to one of eight NATO multinational battlegroups, where he interacted with Allied service members showcasing their readiness to deter aggression and protect territory and populations.
In Slovenia, Gen. Cavoli met with U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Jamie Harpootlian, President Nataša Pirc Musar, and Minister of Defense Marjan Šarec, extending his congratulations on Slovenia’s two decades of NATO membership. He praised Slovenia’s commitment to the alliance, highlighting NATO as the greatest alliance in human history.
As part of his visit, Gen. Cavoli participated in a panel discussion alongside senior military officials from Slovenia, Italy, and Austria, organized by the Slovenia Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The discussion focused on European security challenges and strategies for addressing them collaboratively.
The security cooperation between the United States and Slovakia includes a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2023, facilitating joint training exercises and bolstering coordination on common defense efforts. Slovakia’s efforts to modernize its military and enhance interoperability, such as the acquisition of F-16 aircraft, contribute to NATO’s readiness along its eastern flank.
Similarly, the U.S. and Slovenian militaries collaborate to promote peace and security in the Western Balkans region, supporting modernization, procurement, military mobility, and interoperability goals within NATO. These joint efforts reinforce the alliance’s capability to deploy and sustain operations across vast distances, crucial in today’s dynamic global security landscape.
Gen. Cavoli’s visit reaffirmed the enduring bond between the United States and its NATO allies, underscoring the collective commitment to preserving peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. As Slovakia and Slovenia mark two decades of NATO membership, their contributions to the alliance remain vital in safeguarding the shared values and security of member states.